From June 20 through 22, EDASC was part of the Choose Washington delegation at the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, DC. This summit, organized by the U.S. Department of Commerce, is the highest-profile event promoting investment in the United States, bringing together global companies and economic development organizations to share investment opportunities from across the country. The 2018 SelectUSA Investment Summit drew more than 3,000 participants, including participants from 66 international markets, more than 1,200 global business investors and economic developers from 50 U.S. states and territories.

EDASC was represented at SelectUSA by Sean Connell, Director of Business Development and Global Competitiveness, who conducted several meetings with international businesses considering U.S. expansions, including in the sectors of organic agriculture, clean energy, food processing, and advanced manufacturing. Conversations with these investors have continued following the summit, as EDASC and Commerce follow up to share additional information about local assets and resources. EDASC also collaborated with the Port of Bellingham, San Juan County Economic Development Council, and Island County Economic Development Council to develop and share at SelectUSA messaging and informational materials promoting the four counties of Northwest Washington State.

EDASC continues a proactive program of work to promote Skagit County as a business and investment location, and to respond to inquiries about available properties and Skagit-made and -grown products from across the United States and around the world. For more information on EDASC's business attraction and international activities, contact Sean Connell at sean@skagit.org.